as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world
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Recent Examples of quintessential
The quintessential warrior prince adopts feminine dress and traits and teaches dancing.
—
Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026
Behold iconic dunes and a charming downtown on a visit to Nags Head, which is in quintessential Outer Banks territory.
—Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2026
Other quintessential New York moments include a stop at the dry cleaner, crossing a busy intersection and taking a yellow taxi home.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
With the Dolphins’ offensive identity shifting in real time, both Achane and Jackson’s recovery are quintessential if this team wants to experience even a modicum of success.
—Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026
Behold iconic dunes and a charming downtown on a visit to Nags Head, which is in quintessential Outer Banks territory.
—Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2026
Other quintessential New York moments include a stop at the dry cleaner, crossing a busy intersection and taking a yellow taxi home.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
With the Dolphins’ offensive identity shifting in real time, both Achane and Jackson’s recovery are quintessential if this team wants to experience even a modicum of success.
—Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
Adjective
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Smoky paperbark-roasted fish is served with sugarloaf, potatoes and kelp, a theatrical fresh take on a classic campfire supper, while the prawn sandwich is a wonderful interpretation of the Aussie favorite, made with brioche and avocado.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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The committee had previously committed to providing 10,000 bus seats for fans travelling to games at MetLife, but increased its inventory by hiring classic American yellow school buses.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Adjective
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The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor and recognizes individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the United States and the world.—
Logan Hall,
CBS News,
23 May 2026
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The musicianship is just exemplary.—
Liza Lentini,
SPIN,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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Surrendering to a relaxing massage with a pungent herbal oil—one treatment among many of Sisley’s top-notch line of Phyto-aromatic beauty products—was in perfect sync with the luxe countryside spirit.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
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The game, which was developed in mid-19th century China, requires mental focus and strategic thinking, providing a perfect workout for the brain.—
Lauren Pastrana,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Fairy-tale heroines are also remarkably diverse, and offer us many iterations of the archetypal feminine.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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In its archetypal form, the seduction plot features a sybaritic aristocrat who attempts to debauch an upstanding daughter of the bourgeoisie.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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Yet most shipping executives remain unwilling to send their cargo ships through the 21-mile channel until the United States and Iran strike a definitive peace agreement that includes the safe reopening of the strait.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
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The comments about the April-to-June quarter, which benefited from blockbuster sports events like the Kentucky Derby and the NBA playoffs, are more definitive than those offered by NBCU parent Comcast earlier this spring.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
There are beautiful lake-side beaches and excellent trout fishing.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
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The jury, under the excellent presidency of Park Chan-wook, who was both generous and confident, had extremely varied and highly democratic debates.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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